Introduction
Meatloaf is a classic comfort food that has been enjoyed by families for generations. It’s a versatile dish that can be made with various types of ground meat, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. If you’re looking to take your meatloaf game to the next level, why not try making it on a Traeger pellet grill? The smoky flavor and juicy texture that the grill imparts to the meatloaf will elevate it to new heights of deliciousness. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of making a mouthwatering meatloaf on a Traeger pellet grill.
Ingredients
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s gather the ingredients you’ll need for your Traeger pellet grill meatloaf:
– 2 pounds of ground beef
– 1 cup of breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup of milk
– 1/2 cup of ketchup
– 1/4 cup of diced onions
– 2 cloves of minced garlic
– 2 eggs
– 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
– 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon of salt
– 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
Instructions
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s move on to the step-by-step instructions for making meatloaf on a Traeger pellet grill:
1. Preheat Your Traeger Grill
Start by preheating your Traeger pellet grill to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that the grill is at the optimal temperature for cooking your meatloaf.
2. Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, ketchup, diced onions, minced garlic, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
3. Shape the Meatloaf
Transfer the meatloaf mixture onto a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Using your hands, shape the mixture into a loaf shape. Make sure the loaf is evenly shaped and compacted to ensure even cooking.
4. Smoke the Meatloaf
Place the baking sheet with the meatloaf onto the preheated Traeger grill. Close the lid and let the meatloaf smoke for about an hour. The smoke from the pellets will infuse the meatloaf with a wonderful smoky flavor.
5. Check for Doneness
After an hour, check the internal temperature of the meatloaf using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) for optimal doneness. If the temperature is not yet reached, continue cooking for a few more minutes and check again.
6. Let it Rest
Once the meatloaf is cooked to perfection, remove it from the grill and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the flavors to meld together.
7. Slice and Serve
Cut the meatloaf into thick slices and serve it with your favorite sides such as mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables. The smoky and flavorful meatloaf will surely be a hit at the dinner table!
Conclusion
Cooking meatloaf on a Traeger pellet grill adds a unique smoky flavor that takes this classic comfort food to a whole new level. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a mouthwatering meatloaf that will impress your family and friends. So fire up your Traeger grill, gather the ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a delicious meatloaf that will have everyone coming back for seconds!